FrogLightGt said:
...So I suppose that before I start using forced induction I am gonna have to drop a little money into getting my block prepped. I am gonna get forged pistons and have my bottom end balanced and have my head ported matched to my intake manifold and polished. I have been planning on finding out the specs on the head and connecting rod bolts and checking to see if ARP makes stronger bolts to replace them. I have also been tinkering with the idea of having a copper head gasket made. I have two questions.... I was wondering if anyone knows were I could get stiffer valve springs and stronger rocker arms. I suppose I could have the stock rockers shot peened and freeze tanked maybe. I was also wondering if I could run 9.0:1 compression with boost if i had my EFI tuned properly... Thanks Again... Andy
Now you are heading down the path of major engine performance upgrades. Before you ask TOO many questions (and raise the wrath of members who are only too happy to answer a new, unique question, but get grumpy when asked to answer the same question over and over again), spend a few hours (or days) and have a read around this Forum, and do specific searches for things like:
"port match" (usually a complete waste of time in a CIH engine, much more to be gained by bigger valves, appropriate, INTELLIGENT port blending, and such),
"stiffer valve springs" (you have to know WHY you want stiffer springs),
"forged pistons" (some choices, but mainly expensive aftermarket Opel-style pistons, or converted Chevy or other aftermarket pistons),
"ARP rod bolts" (virtually NONE available, at least not that I have been able to find),
"head gaskets" (and why do you want a copper gasket?),
"rocker arms" (roller rockers ARE available and arguably worth the money, but I can't say about cryo-treating or shot peening the stock rockers)
You also need to decide on a cam configuration and flywheel weight, not to mention rpm/HP range and other mundane questions BEFORE you embark on a "performance upgrade". As has been said a few times around here, changing one aspect to improve its performance can actually HINDER overall performance is it isn't integrated into the total design.
JM2CW